Animal rights in the context of the development of the cosmetics industry

The topic of testing various products, including cosmetics and perfumes on animals sparks considerable controversy, especially today as public awareness of animal rights grows.

More and more foundations are emerging to help animals and in response to various events, initiatives are being created to save our "lesser brothers" in extreme situations. Many people, out of care and love for animals (but also for health reasons), switch to vegetarianism or veganism, and use cosmetics labeled as "vegan" or "cruelty-free" in their daily care routines. Both regulatory bodies and society at large are pressuring industries, especially cosmetics and perfumery, to implement changes in this area.

It is widely known that animal testing is used to detect adverse skin reactions before launching a new product on the market. This practice primarily involves rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and even dogs and monkeys, many of which often die in agony.

History of animal testing in cosmetic products

For centuries, animals have been used for various types of research, particularly in medicine. In 1937, after the pharmaceutical industry released an untested drug called “sulfanilamide elixir,” which turned out to be toxic and caused 100 deaths, the U.S. introduced the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This act gave the Food and Drug Administration the authority to oversee the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics, thus opening the door to animal testing for the "greater good."

Testing cosmetics on animals began in the 1920s when scientist Paul Gerson Unna applied a test substance to the shaved skin of rabbits to ensure the safety of a new cosmetic. This experiment marked the beginning of the use of animals to test various care products and perfumes.

One of the most infamous and cruel methods was the Draize Test, in which a substance was applied to the eyes of an animal that was restrained to prevent it from rubbing the substance into its eyes or skin, causing further irritation. Unfortunately, over the following decades, animal testing became commonplace in the cosmetics industry. It wasn't until the 1970s that efforts began to limit this practice.

The fight for animal rights

The United Kingdom was a pioneer in advocating for animal welfare. As early as 1875, Queen Victoria wrote to a professor of surgery at the University of Edinburgh to stop practices such as injecting or force-feeding animals. It was not until a century later, in 1975, that the UK passed legislation to combat animal cruelty through new regulations.

A milestone in reducing and combating such practices came with the European Union's ban on animal testing for cosmetics in 1998, which was fully implemented in 2013. This ban applies to all cosmetic products (including perfumes) sold in the EU, regardless of where they are manufactured. It also forces manufacturers to seek alternative testing methods, making Europe a pioneer in this field.

Initiatives aimed at raising public awareness of the cruelty of animal experiments are also underway. One of the most famous is the campaign that produced the well-known animated short film "Save Ralph," directed by Spencer Susser in collaboration with Humane Society International.

This deeply moving animated film tells the story of Ralph, a rabbit used for cosmetic testing. Susser's production quickly gained international acclaim, going viral on YouTube and Instagram, with many celebrities supporting the campaign. "Save Ralph" also contributed to legislative campaigns aimed at introducing bans on animal testing for cosmetics in several countries.

Bans on animal testing for cosmetics in other parts of the world

Animal testing for cosmetics is officially banned in countries such as Canada, Israel, India, Norway, Turkey, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea. In the United States, animal testing is neither mandatory nor prohibited; decisions on the matter are made at the state level.

Currently, the sale of cosmetics tested on animals is banned in twelve states, including California, Nevada, and New York. Similar bans are now in effect in 44 countries, representing over 20% of the world's nations.

The biggest challenges remain in countries like China, known for their conservative stance. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as in 2021, China revised its regulations, allowing some cosmetics (such as body washes, shampoos, and makeup products) to be sold without mandatory animal testing.

The ineffectiveness of animal testing

Increasing evidence suggests that animal testing is less effective than other methods used by technologically advanced laboratories. One key reason is the difference in skin properties between animals and humans.

Animal rights activist Hilary Pickles openly criticizes the U.S. government for wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on animal tests, which have a 90% success rate, while human biology-based tests are 90-100% effective. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, animal tests are not the cheapest option.

For instance, a skin corrosion test on a rabbit costs $1,800, while the same test on a human skin model costs $850. The conclusion is clear: There is no logical justification for such practices in an age of technological progress and advanced research methods.

Where to find Information on pro-animal brands

If you want to purchase products that are not tested on animals, you can check the websites of organizations such as Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Cruelty-Free Kitty for lists of brands that do not engage in such practices.

It's important to stay informed, as many brands, including luxury ones, use various marketing tactics to convince customers of their ethical practices. In reality, these companies often test their products on animals to sell them in markets where such procedures are required.

Conclusion

Efforts to improve animal welfare worldwide are moving in the right direction, but much work remains for both society and governments. Each of us can contribute to the fight for animal rights by making conscious purchases and checking the products we intend to buy.

By doing so, we may save even one Ralph, who instead of going to his unfortunate job, can hop freely in green meadows.